Chelsea face Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesday and the Blues are going to miss as many as four first-team players.
Earlier on Monday, the club had revealed that Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic had all missed training and while speaking to the press, the manager has confirmed these four players’ absence.
The manager said in his press conference: “These four players are out, unfortunately. Still out. For Timo, Romelu and Kova, no surprise. For Mason, he does not feel better.
“To stop any speculation it’s not covid, he is negative for covid, he is just ill and he does not feel good enough to take part in training and of course to take part in the trip.”
The absence of Lukaku & Werner a problem for Chelsea?
Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have been on the sidelines since picking up an injury against Malmo in the reverse fixture. But since then, Kai Havertz has been doing a great job playing as the main centre-forward.
Against Malmo, Havertz should do more than a decent job up front but fatigue could be a factor as the German has been playing back-to-back games.
Players like Ziyech or Pulisic have the capability of playing up front and since the American is back in the squad, there’s a chance that he could be the one leading the line against Malmo.
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Will Mason Mount be a big miss?
Mason Mount got back amongst the goals vs Norwich City but since then he’s fallen ill.
His absence should not be a big problem for the manager since he has proper back up in the form of Hakim Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi. It’s basically a personal loss for Mount that he’s not getting consistent game time.
Who will replace Mateo Kovacic?
Mateo Kovacic picked up an injury in training last week and he is one player whose absence could be a slight cause of concern for the Chelsea boss.
N’Golo Kante has not been fully fit in recent weeks so he will have to be used wisely. And since the midfielder played vs Newcastle United on Saturday we don’t think he will be used again on Tuesday.
And with Kovacic also ruled out, someone like Ross Barkley or Loftus-Cheek will have to partner Jorginho in central midfield. Tuchel also has the option of using Saul Niguez in that role.
